Are you worried that your child is not getting enough protein in their diet? Kids can be notoriously finicky about what they eat. As they get older, they will typically broaden their flavor horizons, but until then parents are often left feeling desperate to find creative ways to add variety and nutrition to their child’s meals and snacks.
Kids Protein Popsicle Recipes Perfect for the Summer
Protein can be an especially tricky challenge as many kids find meats or seafood to be unappealing. Although a variety of products have been created to help parents bridge the protein gap common for many young ones, the chalky flavor of some of these products is often enough to make your kid’s nose turn up. So, why do we need to kill ourselves to make sure our children are getting enough protein?
Why Kids Can Benefit from High-Quality Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for growth and development. It plays a vital role in repairing and maintaining tissue and is required for the growth of our bones, muscles, and organ systems. It even plays a role in enzyme reactions, cell function, immune response, and hormones.
Although most children get adequate, if not more than enough protein from their diet, those who are especially picky when it comes to high-quality protein sources such as meat, poultry, and seafood, may benefit from additional sources.
Keep in mind that children are smaller than adults, and therefore need less protein than the average adult does. Unless your child has been encouraged by their pediatrician to increase protein intake or is falling short on the growth charts, you may not need to make any adjustments at all.
How to Include More Protein in Children’s Diet
Because kids can be picky, the easiest way to incorporate a bit more protein into their meals and snacks starts with what they already like. Instead of trying to find new products to try, look at some of the meals and snacks your child already enjoys and see if there’s space to include a protein source. For example, if your child enjoys smoothies, you can incorporate milk or Greek yogurt in the smoothies to make them creamy and protein-packed without a big change in the flavor. If your child enjoys popsicles or fruit bars, pop them in the freezer for a sweet treat they will enjoy being none the wiser.
Still feeling desperate to bump up the protein? You can use a protein powder to mix into sauces, gravies, and other meals easily without it being noticeable. Just be sure to choose a high-quality protein powder without a bunch of junk added to it.
What to Look for in Kid’s Protein
Protein powder labels can be difficult to decipher. With so many different brands and types of protein powders available, it’s enough to make your head spin. Just as with adults, when choosing a protein powder for humans, be sure to choose one that contains minimal to no added or artificial sugars. The fewer unidentifiable ingredients the better, such as Naked Nutrition’s Naked Shakes.
Made with natural, limited ingredients and pea protein, you know exactly what’s in your powder. Not to mention, their delicious flavors which can easily be converted into smoothies and even popsicles. Below are some delicious summer protein popsicle recipes your kid will love.
Strawberry Banana Protein Popsicles
Ingredients:
· 1 scoop strawberry banana vegan protein shake
· 4-6-ounces of water or milk
· 4-5 large strawberries
· Small paper cups
· Popsicle sticks
Method:
1. Combine ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into paper cups and freeze for 2 hours.
3. Remove from the freezer and insert popsicle sticks into each cup.
4. Freeze for an additional 5 hours until solid.
5. To eat, remove from freezer and remove and discard paper cup.
6. Enjoy!
Peanut Butter Blueberry Protein Popsicles
Ingredients:
· 1 scoop Peanut Butter Blueberry Naked Shake powder
· 4-6 ounces of water or milk
· ¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
· 1 tsp natural peanut butter
· Small paper cups
· Popsicle sticks
Method:
1. Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into paper cups and freeze for 2 hours.
3. Remove from the freezer and insert popsicle sticks into each cup.
4. Freeze for an additional 5 hours until solid.
5. To eat, remove from freezer and remove and discard paper cup.
6. Enjoy!
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